Federal emergency crews working to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina are facing increasing threats, prompting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to halt door-to-door relief efforts and instead operate from fixed locations. The decision follows reports of threats against FEMA personnel, including an alarming email from the U.S. Forest Service warning federal responders in Rutherford County to stand down and evacuate after National Guard troops encountered armed militia members claiming they were “hunting FEMA.”
As recovery efforts continue in the mountain regions of North Carolina, FEMA is focusing on the safety of its disaster assistance teams. The threats have raised serious concerns about the security of federal responders tasked with providing vital aid to communities devastated by the hurricane. FEMA officials stated that while their fixed recovery centers remain operational, the decision to suspend door-to-door services is an “abundance of caution” until the threats can be fully assessed.
The tension escalated after The Washington Post revealed an email sent by the U.S. Forest Service to federal responders. The email, addressing all federal personnel in Rutherford County, called for an immediate evacuation due to armed individuals claiming to target FEMA. The incident has put the spotlight on rising tensions between government workers and extremist militia groups, raising concerns about the safety of emergency workers in disaster zones.
In Ashe County, FEMA is continuing to offer services at designated locations, but local officials have confirmed that personnel were also threatened in the region. Ashe County Sheriff Phil Howell expressed his concerns in a public statement, saying that FEMA workers in the area have faced intimidation and that the agency is now reassessing how best to continue its efforts without putting staff at unnecessary risk. “The safety of these workers, who are here to help our community recover, is our top priority,” Sheriff Howell said.
FEMA’s disaster recovery centers will remain open during normal hours on Monday, but the agency has not ruled out further changes to its operations if the threats continue or escalate. FEMA spokespersons stressed that the agency is working closely with local law enforcement and federal authorities to ensure the safety of their personnel and the communities they serve.
The appearance of armed militia members amid the recovery efforts has left residents shocked and concerned. Many are calling for increased security measures to ensure that disaster relief can continue unhindered. “We’re still dealing with the damage from the hurricane, and now this,” said a local resident who was waiting for FEMA assistance. “It’s terrifying to think that the very people who are here to help us are being targeted.”
The hurricane has left widespread destruction across North Carolina, particularly in rural and mountainous regions. FEMA teams have been working to provide emergency housing, food, and financial assistance to displaced residents. However, with recovery efforts now complicated by safety concerns, there are growing fears that some areas may face delays in receiving aid.
The exact motivation behind the militia’s threats remains unclear, but local law enforcement is investigating whether the incident is linked to broader anti-government sentiment that has emerged in some regions of the country. The rise in threats against federal workers, particularly those in disaster relief, has led to increased scrutiny on the measures in place to protect them.
As FEMA continues to assess the situation, federal and state officials are urging calm and cooperation from the public. “We understand that these are challenging times, but there is no place for violence or threats against those who are working to help our communities recover,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper in a statement addressing the issue.
For now, FEMA’s recovery operations in North Carolina are under heightened security as the agency seeks to balance the urgent need for disaster relief with the safety of its workers. The situation remains fluid, and additional measures may be taken to protect personnel as investigations into the threats continue.
